CA-TF5 US&R Plans Section - Technical Information Specialist

Orange County Fire Authority; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Orange County Fire Authority in Irvine, CA, seeks an entry-level Technical Information Specialist (TIS) for the CA-TF5 US&R Plans Section. The role involves documenting, tracking, and retrieving information for incident operations, and placing recruits into a candidate pool for future vacancies.

Candidates must be current OCFA firefighters (non-probationary) or related ranks; must complete FEMA Plans/TIS course and required FEMA classes.

Qualifications

• Current OCFA firefighter (non-probationary), Fire Apparatus Engineer, or Fire Captain
• Basic knowledge of US&R and GPS operations
• Demonstrate the ability to follow orders and personnel management skills
• Must communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Willingness to work in austere environments for extended periods

Responsibilities

• Document, track, and retrieve information for the task force during incident operations
• Participate in base camp and field operations under hazardous conditions
• Provide verbal and written communication with US&R Task Force and officials
• Work in disaster zones, adverse weather, and aircraft operations
• Represent local, state, and federal government in diverse conditions

Skills

Communication

Verbal and written

MS Word

MS Excel

Flexibility

Education

FEMA Plans/TIS course

IS100

IS200

IS700

IS800

Tools

GPS operations

Job description

Description

California Task Force 5 (CA-TF5) US&R Plans Section is currently recruiting for the position of Technical Information Specialist (TIS). This recruitment is

Description

California Task Force 5 (CA-TF5) US&R Plans Section is currently recruiting for the position of Technical Information Specialist (TIS). This recruitment is only open to full-time, Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Firefighters (non-probationary), Fire Apparatus Engineers, and Fire Captains.

This is an entry level position and non-probationary Firefighters are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will be placed in a candidate pool, which will be used to fill current and future vacancies. The list may be retained for up to two (2) years.

The ideal candidate should be technically savvy and very motivated. The TIS is responsible for documenting, tracking, and retrieving all pertinent information for the task force during incident operations.

Essential Functions

The position requires participation in rigorous physically and mentally challenging base camp and field operations. These operations encompass multiple disciplines of the Plans functional area in extremely varied and potentially hazardous working conditions. Technical Information Specialists require the ability to provide both verbal and written interaction with all sections of the US&R Task Force, including local, state and federal officials. The position also requires working in disaster zones, adverse weather conditions, hazardous atmospheres and military or civilian aircraft (fixed and rotary).

As a member of the US&R Task Force you will be asked to represent the local, state, and federal government under extremely diverse conditions.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum requirements for US&R Plans - TIS

• Current, OCFA Firefighter (non-probationary), Fire Apparatus Engineer, or Fire Captain
• Participation in the OCFA "WEFIT" program
• Have a basic knowledge of US&R and GPS operations
• Demonstrate the ability to follow orders and personnel management skills
• Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Have the ability to be flexible, resolve conflicts, and solve problems
• Possess basic working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
• Be willing to work and live in austere environments for extended periods of time

Position Requirement (post Selection)

• Must maintain a basic knowledge of the use of specialized Task Force equipment and support resources related to your position
• Meet and maintain qualifications for Plans/TIS per the FEMA position descriptions
• Completion of the FEMA Plans/TIS course
• Completion of FEMA classes IS100, IS200, IS700, IS800 and FEMA Orientation class
• Completion of GPS Operational and WMD Enhanced Ops classes (online)
• Complete annual FEMA Ethics Training course
• Participate in air operations – helicopter and fixed wing during deployments and/or training
• Attend quarterly training meetings and participation in Task Force Exercises
• Maintain/respond by timely communication with Task Force and Section administration through email and phone
• NWCG Plans related training
• Follow the Federal "Code of Conduct" for US&R Task Forces

Recommended Training (post Selection)

• Completion of IC-300: Intermediate IC for Expanding Incidents

Selected individuals will begin the training process immediately after selection, with required attendance in the FEMA Plans/TIS course in March of 2027.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Tentative Schedule Of Events

• Recruitment Closes: Monday, October 12, 2026 at 11:59 PM
• Panel Interviews: Week of October 26, 2026
• Selections Announced: Week of November 2, 2026

All dates are subject to change based on organizational need. Should a change occur, Human Resources will notify all affected candidates via email.

CANDIDATE POOL LIST

Placement on the candidate pool list will be established based on successful completion of all recruitment process components. The candidate pool list will remain in effect for a period of one (1) year from the date of establishment or until all names on the list are exhausted. The candidate pool list may be extended or abolished at the discretion of the Assistant Chief of Human Resources.

Questions

All questions regarding this position should be directed to Fire Apparatus Engineer Chris Hoggatt at [e-mail] or Fire Captain David Newell at [e-mail].

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES WITH NEOGOV

Please contact the assigned recruiter, Brad Stephens, Senior Human Resources Analyst at [e-mail] or [phone].

Americans With Disabilities Act (ada) Accommodation

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, anyone who needs an ADA accommodation for the purposes of employment testing should contact Brad Stephens, Senior Human Resources Analyst at [e-mail] within 72 hours of the need for accommodation.

Withdrawing From Recruitment Process

If an applicant chooses to withdraw from this recruitment process, he/she is required to submit an email notification to the assigned recruiter, Brad Stephens, Senior Human Resources Analyst at [e-mail] requesting a withdrawal from the process. The email to the recruiter must include the applicant's current phone number.

Note

The provisions of this publication do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision in this publication may be modified or revoked without notice.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Orange County Fire Authority is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Orange County Professional Firefighters Association (OCPFA) Local 3631: This classification is represented by the OCPFA Local 3631. Please visit http://www.ocfirefighters.org for more information.

Merit Salary Increases

Employees are eligible for an initial merit salary increase (1 to 4 steps) on the first day of the pay period following completion of fifty-two (52) weeks of service, and thereafter annually based on their work performance and until they reach the top of their 12-step salary range.

Health Benefits

Pursuant to a Health Plan Agreement, the Authority contributes to the OCPFA medical benefit trust fund for health insurance and other related benefits. Brown Insurance Services (BIS) is the administrator for these benefits. The current contribution to the medical benefit trust fund will continue through 3/1/2028 in the amount of $2,199.49/month for "actively employed" enrollee members of the unit.

Retirement

All regular OCFA employees are members of the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) - a defined benefit retirement program. Employees are enrolled in one of the following retirement formulas based on date of hire.

Legacy Safety Members: Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who establish reciprocity with OCERS are enrolled in the 3% at age 55 retirement formula (Plan R). Please visit OCERS to view compensation and benefit limits. https://www.ocers.org/post/compensation-and-benefit-limits

New Safety Members: Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 without reciprocity are enrolled in the 2.7% at age 57 retirement formula (Plan V). Please visit OCERS to view compensation and benefit limits. https://www.ocers.org/post/compensation-and-benefit-limits

For more information about OCERS retirement, please visit OCERS, or view the Retirement Plan HERE.

Deferred Compensation

Employees may voluntarily participate in the Authority’s deferred compensation plan. This plan is provided by Nationwide Retirement Services and allows for pre- and post-tax deferrals. This plan is 100% employee funded.

Retiree Medical Savings Plan

Employees participate in an employer sponsored retirement Healthcare Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) with a contribution of 3.0% of base salary. Firefighter Trainees and Handcrew Firefighters do not participate in this benefit.

OCPFA Supplemental Retiree Medical Plan

Employees contribute 1.0% of their base salary towards the Orange County Professional Firefighters Association (OCPFA) Supplemental Retiree Medical Plan Trust Fund.

Social Security

Orange County Fire Authority employees are not covered under the provisions of Federal Social Security (OASDI); therefore, they are not required to contribute 6.2% of salary towards Social Security.

Medicare

Employees contribute 1.45% to Medicare. Employees whose wages exceed $200,000 in a calendar year shall contribute an additional 0.9%.

Educational Incentive Pay

Employees with college-level semester units or a bachelor’s degree are eligible for educational incentive pay as follows:

• 60+ college-level semester units - 2.5% of base salary per month; or
• 90+ college-level semester units - 5% of base salary per month; or
• Baccalaureate Degree - 7.5% of base salary per month

The maximum educational incentive pay an employee shall receive is 7.5% of base salary. To receive educational incentive pay, the employee must submit a written request to receive the educational incentive pay and submit satisfactory proof of qualification (for example, grade cards, transcripts, and/or other verification from an accredited, college-level educational institution). Employees must provide official transcripts for verification.

Hand Crew Firefighters are not eligible for educational incentive Pay.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Pay

Employees (other than Firefighter Trainees) who maintain an active State of California EMT certification will receive, in addition to their regular salary, seven (9%) percent of each employee’s base salary per month, prorated on an hourly basis for regular hours paid.

Other Specialty Pays

Employees who move into special assignments at OCFA, or who possess specialized skills, may be eligible for other specialty pays. Please refer to the OCPFA MOU and Side Letter Agreements for further details.

Tuition Reimbursement

Tuition reimbursement is $2,000 per fiscal year to cover certain expenses associated with academic pursuits.

Holidays

Employees in the Firefighters Unit observe 13 holidays within the calendar year:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday
• Lincoln's Birthday
• President's Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Indigenous Peoples' Day/Columbus Day
• Veteran's Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Day after Thanksgiving
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day

Shift employees receive 11.2 hours holiday pay of which 0.7 hours is designated to a Union Time Bank for Union release time.

Vacation

Vacation accrual is based on hours of completed continuous service (regular hours) exclusive of overtime. For shift employees:

• After 1 year but less than 3 years: Approx 112 hours per year;
• After 3 years but less than 10 years: Approx 168 hours per year;
• After 10 years: Approx 224 hours per year

Sick Leave

Sick leave is is based on hours of completed continuous service (regular hours) exclusive of overtime. For shift employees:

• Date of employment but less than 3 years: Approx 101 hours per year;
• After 3 years: Approx 144 hours per year

Uniforms

The Authority provides uniforms to employees.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

The OCFA offers regular, limited-term, and probationary employees both a Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), which allows you to contribute pre-tax dollars into an account that can be used throughout the year on qualified medical or dependent care expenses. Participants pay fewer taxes and take home more money. For 2022, the maximum employee contribution is $2,750 for eligible medical expenses. The maximum employee contribution is $5,000 for eligible dependent care expenses.

WEFIT Program

The WEFIT Program is mandatory/non-punitive. The OCFA shall provide all five (5) of the following aspects of the WEFIT Program:

• Medical
• Fitness
• Medical/Fitness/Injury Rehabilitation
• Behavioral Health
• Data Collection and Reporting

Pet Discount Program

OCFA has partnered with United Pet Care to offer a pet healthcare program. This program helps employees reduce the cost of escalating veterinary bills at an affordable rate. All pets are eligible regardless of their age or medical condition.

Benevolent Association

Employees have the option to join OCFA’s Benevolent Association which was created to “Take Care of Their Own.” Included in your $8.00 per pay period cost is $10,000 Member Death Benefit, $4,000 Dependent Death Benefit, $30,000 Annual Scholarships for Members and Dependents, Hardship Grants/Loans, Annual Picnic for Members, Holiday Ball, and Retiree Tribute. In addition, Discount Offers- Recreation/Amusement Parks, fitness 19 and 24-Hour Fitness gym membership, discount movie tickets, Angels Baseball game with tailgate party, etc. Membership also allows access to very good supplemental insurances of many types, including, Long Term Disability, Long Term Care, various AFLAC (ICU, Cancer, Accident Injury, CSFA membership, Living Trusts and more. The Family Auxiliary and KIDS Fund (provides monetary assistance only to kids of members), both operate under the Benevolent Association.

Updated 07/2026

This benefit summary is intended to provide an easy way for current and prospective employees to access fringe benefit information, including voluntary options. This summary is intended to be accurate, but it is not an official plan document, and has no legal or binding effect as an expressed or implied contract, or otherwise, and does not alter or amend any provision of the Memoranda of Understanding, Personnel and Salary Resolution, retirement contract, insurance policy contract, or any other official document of the Orange County Fire Authority, including Standard Operating Procedures and General Orders. All insurance benefits described in the summary are subject to the terms and limitations of the Orange County Fire Authority's insurance contracts with individual insurance providers.

This benefit summary is intended to provide an easy way for current and prospective employees to access fringe benefit information, including voluntary options. This summary is intended to be accurate, but it is not an official plan document, and has no legal or binding effect as an expressed or implied contract, or otherwise, and does not alter or amend any provision of the Memoranda of Understanding, Personnel and Salary Resolution, retirement contract, insurance policy contract, or any other official document of the Orange County Fire Authority, including Standard Operating Procedures and General Orders. All insurance benefits described in the summary are subject to the terms and limitations of the Orange County Fire Authority's insurance contracts with individual insurance providers.

Should you have any questions pertaining to information in this summary, please contact the Human Resources Department at [phone].

01

The Orange County Fire Authority uses e-mail to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of applications. We do so as part of our ongoing efforts to increase efficiency, conserve resources, and minimize delays and costs. Therefore, as an applicant, please ensure that the e-mail address you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We recommend that you do not share e-mail addresses with other individuals who may inadvertently delete important communications sent to you. Spam or other filters should be adjusted to accept e-mails from ocfa.org and governmentjobs.com. Please read each e-mail notice carefully and in a timely manner. Follow further instructions, if any. Please acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the above.

• Yes
• No

02

This recruitment is open to current OCFA career Fire Captains, Fire Apparatus Engineers, and non-probationary Firefighters. Are you a current OCFA Fire Captain, Fire Apparatus Engineer, or non-probationary Firefighter?

• Yes
• No
• Required Question